UNC nutrition experts uncover structure of enzyme that could aid in disease treatment, prevention
January 25, 2022 Researchers at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute have uncovered the structure of the ALDH1L1 enzyme, which plays a critical role in predicting whether a person might be susceptible to metabolic diseases or cancer.
Study links fewer steps per day, slower movement with decreased odds of weight gain in Hispanic/Latinos
January 9, 2022 In a new study, UNC researchers found surprising results upon examining relationships between number and speed of steps per day and six-year changes in obesity among participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.
Four-year study highlights complexity of diabetes health inequities
December 21, 2021 A recent article published online by the journal Diabetes Care aims to untangle racial and ethnic health disparities that affect youth and young adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Produce prescriptions can save money. New project asks how much?
December 13, 2021 Food prescription programs provide monthly benefits to help people buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and these programs have already been shown to improve health outcomes. A $765,000 grant from The Duke Endowment will fund research by Dr. Shu Wen Ng, Distinguished Scholar in Public Health Nutrition, to produce evidence related to a new facet of these programs: return on investment in the form of improved health and lower health care costs for individuals and communities.
9 Gillings School faculty members named to Clarivate's annual Highly Cited Researchers list
November 16, 2021 Nine academics from the Gillings School were recently named to the 2021 Highly Cited Researchers list from Clarivate. The highly anticipated annual list identifies researchers who demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field or fields through the publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade.
Blue Cross NC, UNC join forces for new clinical study to improve food security, chronic health conditions
September 22, 2021 With a $3.2-million investment, Blue Cross NC is collaborating with UNC Health and UNC-Chapel Hill researchers to conduct a first-of-its-kind clinical study to establish sustainable best practices for helping individuals put nutritious food options on the table and improve health.
Shaikh named co-director of UNC Nutrition Obesity Research Center
September 8, 2021 Dr. Raz Shaikh has been named co-director of the UNC Nutrition Obesity Research Center alongside fellow co-director Dr. Elizabeth Mayer-Davis.
Paving new paths to choline
August 23, 2021
UNC Nutrition Research Institute Assistant Professor Isis Trujillo studies choline, an essential nutrient that is critical for brain development in the womb.
Chile’s Law of Food Labeling and Advertising encourages notably healthier choices
August 11, 2021 Chile’s package of healthy food policies successfully decreased purchases of unhealthy food and drinks during the initial implementation phase, according to a new study. Researchers say the significant reductions in calories and nutrients of concern (sugar, sodium and saturated fat) underscore the potential for heathy food policies to significantly affect public health — even in the short-term.
SuperSNAP helps food insecure households afford healthy foods
August 11, 2021 Led by UNC-Chapel Hill researchers, a new study showed that an additional $40 per month for SNAP beneficiaries substantially increased the purchase of healthier food options for people who struggle with food insecurity.
